Destinations

We set out to get under the skin of the 130 destinations that we visit, from Egypt to Jamaica and from Bolivia to Japan. Combining the must-sees with the who-knews, we provide authentic travel experiences across the globe.

Destinations

Africa

Discover the vast, diverse continent that is Africa. Navigate through aromatic medinas, drive across stretching golden plains in search of the Big Five and discover tribal cultures. We challenge you not to fall in love.

Asia

Asia offers a heady mix of diverse traditions, religions, cuisine and architecture. Iconic monuments from the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal, and scenery from Indonesian rice paddies to the staggering Himalaya, give a flavour of its variety.

Australasia

Australasia is a region of vibrant colour, staggering landscapes and contrasting cultures. Compact yet varied, New Zealand is all about the great outdoors. It's best explored on foot, where you'll cover lakes and mountains, coasts and glaciers.

Europe

From the windswept Atlantic coast to the vast taiga forests in the east, and from the polar tundra to the sun-kissed Mediterranean, Europe's variety is second to none. The diversity of its cuisine, culture and climate mirrors that of its landscape.

Middle East

The Middle East is a heady concoction of welcoming people, ancient sites, stunning desert scenery and delicious food. Uncover history that spans millenia in colossal archaeological sites and sleep under starlit skies in the Arabian desert.

North America

North America is home to dynamic cities, rich cultural diversity and inspiring National Parks. From the canyons and deserts of the USA to Canada's Rocky Mountains and Alaska's wildlife, North America's charms are hard to resist.

Central America

The thin strip of land connecting North and South America contains eight countries packed with fascinating Mayan history, colourful modern cultures and pristine beaches. Here the rainforests, cloud forests and barrier reef bustle with biodiversity.

Caribbean

Fields of sugar cane, rum distilleries, freshly-cooked fish and jerk chicken and a laid-back attitude to life - there's lots to love about Caribbean holidays. And that's without even mentioning the glittering azure waters and miles of sandy beaches.

South America

South America is a continent of superlatives. Explore the world's largest rainforest and marvel at its highest waterfall. Walk its longest mountain range and discover its highest capital city. All washed down with hearty food and world-class wines.

Experiences

Adventure doesn't have to take you out of your comfort zone; from activities like zip-wiring in Costa Rica, to tasting local dishes in Italy and staying with local families in Peru, there's a little adventure to be found on all our travels.

Why book this trip?

This gentle-paced cycling holiday takes in the best vineyards, villages and ancient churches of Cote d' Or. Along the way, enjoy traditional local cuisine, accompanied by one of the many eminent 'grand cru' wines produced in the region.

Self-Guided Cycling Burgundy

Itinerary

The quiet little hamlet of Meursault or Saint Romain will be your base for the first two nights of your holiday. After checking in to your hotel, you have the rest of the day to explore. Your bike will be delivered either today or tomorrow morning and you will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike. If in Saint Romain, you may wish to walk to the chateau ruins above the village. From here, there are stunning views over the Valley of Saint-Romain-le-Bas.

Accommodation:

Hotel Le Chevreuil (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Circular ride through the Côtes-de-Beaune wine district

Today's gentle circular ride takes your through quintessential wine-producing country, passing picturesque vineyards, old farmhouses and pretty villages. In addition to the renowned wine-producing villages of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, you'll also be surprised by lovely smaller villages, such as Chaudenay and Corcelles-les-Arts. If you are staying in Saint Romain, Meursault is the largest and liveliest town you will visit today, with a pretty chateau and several bars and restaurants.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 38 kilometres.

Accommodation:

Hotel Le Chevreuil (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Cycle to Aloxe-Corton via characterful Beaune

Today you ride through the gently rolling vineyards of the renowned 'appellations de Bourgogne'. The route is short, leaving you time to visit the welcoming and well-preserved historical town of Beaune.

Beaune is the chief wine-producing town of the Côte d'Or, founded by Julius Caesar, no less. We recommend treating yourself to a delicious lunch here before taking a stroll around the town to see, among other sites, the famous multi-coloured roof of the Hôtel Dieu. As you cycle on towards your night stop, you'll pedal past several impressive chateaux, including the large Chateau de Savigny, with its remarkable museum full of vintage cars and aeroplanes. You can look forward to spending the next two nights in Aloxe-Corton - a tiny hamlet and another of the major wine-making villages of the Côtes-de-Beaune. Most of the wines produced in this district receive the distinction of 'Grand Cru'.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 29 kilometres.

Accommodation:

Hotel Villa Louise (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Circular ride into the Côte de Nuits wine district

Gliding along peaceful country lanes, today's circular route peddles through classic Burgundy farmland and oak woodland, passing yet more beautiful chateaux and churches. After cycling through the esteemed wine-producing village of Chorey, your route takes you out of the Côte-de-Beaune and into the Côte de Nuits wine district. Other distinguished wine-producing villages that you will pass through today include Ladoix-Serrigny, Prémeaux-Prissey and Corgoloin.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 33 kilometres.

Accommodation:

Hotel Villa Louise (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Cycle to Gilly les Citeaux via Nuits Saint George

Today's cycling distance is relatively short, allowing you to spend time absorbing the beauty and culture of the Côte-de-Nuits. A couple of long gradual ascents on your route afford beautiful views. We recommend taking time to stroll through picturesque Nuits Saint George, maybe enjoying lunch in the main square. Continuing on to Vougeot, you may choose to visit its imposing château. Standing in the very heart of Burgundy's vineyards, it was originally a wine farm that was built in the 12th century by monks from the nearby Abbey of Cîteaux. In the 16th century, it was converted into the Renaissance style. Nowadays, it is as famous for the world-renowned banquets that it hosts, as it is for its medieval grape presses and Cistercian cellar. Today's destination is the village of Gilly les Citeaux, where you will spend the next two nights.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres.

Accommodation:

Hotel L'Oree des Vignes (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - A choice of circular routes from Gilly les Citeaux

Today, you have the choice between a shorter or longer route, travelling along quiet roads between the wine-producing villages of the Côte-de-Nuits district. We recommend stopping off for a stroll around St. Philibert, with its impressive 12th century church. Couchey is also worth a visit, with its historical houses and 17th century wineries. Brochon is another gem, known for its 'vins estimés' and its Renaissance-revival chateau. Built by the famous French author, Stephen Liégeard, his aim was to recreate the Loire style of chateau in Burgundy.

Your total cycling distance today is approximately 26 or 41 kilometres, depending on your route.

Accommodation:

Hotel L'Oree des Vignes (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Trip ends in Gilly-lès-Cîteaux

After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Country information

France

Climate

Across France, from April - August, weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall; Autumn temperatures are a bit lower and the winter months (though colder) remain mild. The summer months on the Mediterranean Coast in the south tend to be warmer than the rest of France and have less rainfall, and also more mild winters; freezing conditions are nearly unheard of. The mountainous areas of the Alps, Juros and Pyrenees can be quite different. During summer the morning and evening temperatures are considerably cooler and it becomes much colder in winter with heavy snowfall. Western France, along the English Channel, there can be very strong winds and frequent rain during the winter months Nov - Apr. Wine harvesting takes place in late August/early September.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Catholic

Language

French

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Throughout this trip there are many opporunities to sample the regions tasty cuisine and locally made Burgandy wines. Many of the wineries offer tours and there are lots of great photo stops and places to stop for a relaxing stroll along the way. Day 1 - Depending on your arrival time, if staying in Meursault you may wish to visit the Chateau, or if staying in Saint-Romain walk up to the chateaux ruins above the village to enjoy the views. Day 5 - On your way through Nuits-Saint-Georges you may wish to visit Le Cassissium blackcurrent museum.

Clothing

Bring cycling gear such as quick drying cycle tops, padded cycle shorts and cycle gloves. Remember that the weather is slightly more changeable in northern France, and it can be cool, especially at night and at the start and end of the season, so bring a warmer jacket/fleece. A waterproof cycle jacket is recommended in case of rain. A light windproof jacket is always useful.

Footwear

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to tours that combine sightseeing with cycling. Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of baggage as per your airline luggage allowance, maximum 20 kg per person. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage if using public transport so don't overload yourself. Luggage transfers between hotels are normally arranged by the hoteliers. Mark your bags clearly and leave them at the place and time arranged with them. When travelling on public transport you should always take your luggage with you.

Luggage transfer

Included between each hotel.

Equipment

On all Explore cycle holidays we strongly recommend you bring along and wear your cycle helmet. In case of an accident resulting in personal injury, certain insurance policies are invalidated in cases where a helmet was not being worn. Cycle glasses (to protect against dust, insects, pollen, sun etc) , cycle gloves (padded for more comfort) and a water bottle or water delivery system (eg camelback or platypus). Please note that it is a legal requirement to wear a helmet while cycling in France. In case of an accident resulting in personal injury, certain insurance policies (explore included) are invalidated in cases where a helmet was not being worn. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.

Maps - Along with the destination manual and route notes you will be sent a set of maps that have been created specifically for this trip to help you navigate. The route is marked on each map together with a series of numbered waypoints which correspond with instructions in the route notes. Should you wish to purchase a more detailed commercially produced map we recommend the following:-

Tipping

Local fees

Local city tax is required to be paid in cash upon check in to the accommodation. The amount varies from 1 to 3 Euros per person per night, with the higher amount relating to higher category hotels. It is only applicable to a number of towns and cities, but it is being rolled out to cover more places in time so please allow accordingly in your budget.

France

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Lunch price

£11

Dinner price

£16.00 - 18.00

Beer price

£4

Water price

£1.3

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Euro

Recommended Currency For Exchange

Pounds Sterling and US Dollars can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change. Please change currency into Euros prior to arriving in France.

Where To Exchange

Bureau de Change can only be found in major cities and large airports. Many French banks no longer exchange Foreign currency.

ATM Availability

In cities and most major towns

Credit Card Acceptance

In major restaurants (make sure you have informed your credit card company that you are travelling abroad as some companies will reject payments)

Travellers Cheques

Travellers Cheques are no longer commonly accepted and can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change.

Transport, Accommodation & Meals

Transport Information

Bicycle

Recommended airport

Lyon or Paris.

Flying to your destination

We'd recommend return flights into Lyon or Paris Airports which are served by both budget (including Easyjet, Flybe) and non-budget airlines (including British Airways) from multiple airports in the UK.

Accommodation notes

Standard - Our mid-range accommodation offers a good level of service often with other amenities such as a restaurant, bar, garden or swimming pool. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en-suite facilities.

Arrival and departure information

At the start of your trip you can fly into Lyon or Paris airport.

If you are driving into Burgundy you can park the car in a free parking area in Saint Romain where it can stay for the week. At the end of the trip you can take a taxi to Saint Romain or take the train from Gilly to Beaune and then a taxi to Saint Romain.

By public transport from Lyon Airport Travel by train from Lyon to Beaune train station from where you can take a taxi (approx. 25 Euros).

By public transport from Paris Airport

At the end of your trip you can fly back from either Lyon or Paris airport.

By public transport to Lyon airport From Gilly take the local train to Dijon where you connect to Lyon.

By public transport to Paris airport From Gilly take the local train to Dijon where you connect to Paris.

A private arrival transfer can be arranged (at additional cost) from Beaune train station to Meursault and on departure from Gilly back to Meursault. These transfers must be booked in advance.

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

France: Visas are not required by UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.

Booking conditions

Transfers

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

France

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Cycling information

General cycling information

On this journey you cycle 153 km over five days (an average of 31 km per day) with a further optional ride available. The terrain is mostly on gently undulating hills and open valleys with no shade on the roads. Most of the route is on tarmac country lanes and secondary roads with little traffic and a few sections of good dirt roads. Traffic increases near the larger towns. We have graded the route as easy.

Bike included

21 gear hybrid bike.

Bike information

Your included bike is a 21 gear hybrid bike and will be the correct frame size for your height. A handlebar bag is provided and you are able to fit your own pedals or saddle if you wish to bring them. A lock is provided. You will be required to sign an agreement of care upon receipt of the bike. All you need to bring is your own helmet.

Cycling grade

Easy

Additional Information

Why book this trip

Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a pump, lock, spare inner tube and tyre levers. All you need bring is your own helmet.

Dates, prices and booking

All holidays are subject to availability and prices are subject to change

All customers that travel on an Explore Group or Private Journey trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule are customers who are booked on a trip where the joining and/or ending point is the airport or station. In this particular case there will be a specific time provided for when the trip starts and ends. On these particular trips, only one arrival and departure transfer will generally be provided for the whole group. Please see
free transfers for terms and conditions.

These trip joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.
For those not eligible for a free transfer the joining / ending time and location for your trip are detailed below:

Joining Point

Town

Saint Romain or Meursault

Time and place

00:00 at Hotel reception

Ending Point

Town

Gilly-les-Citeaux

Time

23:59

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.